Greatest of All Time
Perch Farm
9000 Hopewell Road
www.perchfamilyfarm.com
Open: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Farm Market/ Farm Visits: $5 Per Person; free for children under 1.
This past Sunday, my daughters and I slathered on sunscreen, packed a bag of snacks, and braved the summer heat for a morning adventure at Perch Family Farm in Indian Hill.
The entire drive there, Rosie chanted “Goats! Goats!” from the backseat like a tiny hype woman. Nestled down a gravel lane off Hopewell Road, the farm greets you with a beautiful barn that sometimes hosts events but, on this day, was home to their cozy little farm stand.
For just $5, you can spend as much time as you want in the goat yard. And not just any goats, baby goats. Rose was in heaven. She crouched to meet them eye-to-eye, followed them around the yard while chattering away, and watched curiously when one hopped onto a picnic table. Naturally, she had to try it too—only to stare in awe as the goat leapt right back down, sailing gracefully through the air, and trotted off, leaving her jaw on the floor.
The goat yard also has sensory tables with sand, water, and toys which are perfect for curious little hands. After a good 20 minutes with the goats, we took a quick snack break before joining Addyson, a sweet volunteer, for a guided farm tour.
First stop: the alpacas. Addyson handed Rose a carrot, but towering alpacas were a bit much for my toddler, so I did the feeding while she observed from a safe distance. From there, we wandered to the duck yard. Instant love. Rosie tossed carrots to the ducks, giggling as they snapped them up in a feathery frenzy.
The pigs were…less exciting for her, so we doubled back to the ducks for one last round of carrot tossing before the heat caught up to us. With Ruby fussing in the carrier, we headed back to the barn, where fresh chicken, eggs, vegetables, and the most charming mini-bouquets awaited. I grabbed a couple, and we loaded into the car.
Within minutes, both girls were asleep, and I enjoyed a blissfully quiet drive home. That night, Rose proudly told her dad all about the baby goats and throwing carrots to the duckies.
Perch Family Farm is the perfect little outing for families—low-key, hands-on, and full of those sweet, simple moments you’ll remember long after naptime. We’ll definitely be back.
– Shae Huth